“Anyone can set a goal of eradicating pests. But when it’s a goal for 2050, it’s unenforceable and largely meaningless,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“The Commissioner says the Government lacks a plan of action. ACT has such a plan.

“Sanctuary Trust is a policy that harmonises perfectly with the Commissioner’s vision of restoring abundant, diverse, and resilient birdlife.

“Last year, we announced an ambitious policy that would bring back the birdsong across the country. The Government should sell Landcorp, which is involved in dairy conversions, and use the funds to set up a Sanctuary Trust. Non-Government groups across the country could apply for funds to set up sanctuaries in their communities, with an expectation that they will achieve contracted targets – such as producing sustainable native bird populations which could be interbred with other sanctuaries.

“Instead of interfering with private property and forcing people to part with their pets, we should let towns benefit from the halo effect of well-run private sanctuaries, just like Wellington has with Zealandia.

“National’s plan for total pest eradication across the entire country is unfeasible, but Sanctuary Trust would clear designated areas of native bush from predators, including feral cats, in a targeted way, and it could be achieved in a far shorter timeframe.”